Adverse health impacts of the environment: implications for environmental management

摘要

This study examines determinants of ambient exposures and related health outcomes among a sample of 1200 residents from four neighbourhoods alongside a comparison group of 300 residents in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Two series of logistic regression analyses were undertaken. The first were used to determine how individual, neighbourhood and housing characteristics influenced reports of exposure in the home and work environments. Three models were constructed; pesticide exposure around the home and yard, an index of exposure inside the home, and dust and gas exposure in the work environment. Second, we examined high and low exposure levels in the three settings and their associations with asthma, allergies, and fair/poor self-rated health. Blue-collar occupations and neighbourhood dissatisfaction had the strongest associations with work exposure. Neighbourhood dislikes and living in a specific neighbourhood were associated with indoor home exposure and pesticide exposure was predicted by professional occupations, living alone, and living in a specific neighbourhood. Older homes were also associated with exposure in all three settings. With regard to health outcomes, asthma was linked to work exposure, older homes, reduced education and smoking; allergies were associated with pesticide exposure. Fair/poor self-rated health was also associated with pesticide exposure as well as reduced income and education, and the home needing major repairs. The findings therefore highlight unique determinants of the three exposures and health outcomes and point to the need for further research on perceived health, exposures and neighbourhood quality.